The King of Thailand Rama X King Vajiralongkorn

The King of Thailand Rama X King Vajiralongkorn

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BANGKOK — The King of Thailand Rama X. Thailand has a new king, with the country’s crown prince formally taking the throne to succeed his much-revered late father who reigned for 70 years.

The new monarch, who received the title “His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun,” assumed his new position Thursday, according to an announcement broadcast on all TV channels. He will also be known as Rama X, the tenth king in the Chakri dynasty that was founded in 1782.

The King of Thailand Rama XThailand’s new King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun pays his respect to a picture of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Addlyadej and Queen Sirikit as he accepts an invitation from parliament to succeed his father, at Bangkok’s Dusit Palace on Dec. 1.Thailand Royal Household Bureau via Reuters

A videotaped broadcast showed senior officials presenting the formal invitation to the prince to become king, and then his acceptance. It then showed the officials prostrate themselves at the feet of the new king, who was wearing a formal white uniform with decorations.